ART X HERITAGE is a new collaboration between Patrick Lambertz and the Swiss foundation Ferien im Baudenkmal, with the aim of raising awareness of Swiss building culture and also contributing financially to the preservation of historic architecture. 

ART MEETS CULTURAL HERITAGE

For many years, I have dedicated myself to photographing traditional buildings in Switzerland. With my Chalets of Switzerland series, I wanted to show much more than just beautiful postcard motifs - I wanted to tell stories and give insights into a Switzerland that moves away from the clichés. 

But while I was travelling with my camera, I became more aware with each passing year of how ephemeral this architecture is. Many of the buildings I captured no longer exist today. They have either been demolished or are in such a state that they will disappear from view forever.

A VANISHING STATE

I was deeply moved by this development. The preservation of these buildings - witnesses to our history and the unique cultural landscape of Switzerland - became a matter of great concern to me. The silence of these buildings, their stories, their contradictions and their charm inspired me to contribute to the preservation of their place in our present and future.

SUSTAINABLE HOLIDAYS IN HISTORIC BUILDINGS

This is when I discovered the Swiss Foundation Ferien im Baudenkmal (Holidays in Historic Buildings). The foundation, which was founded by the Swiss Heritage Society in 2015, does incredibly valuable work by saving historic buildings from decay, carefully restoring them and reviving them as holiday properties. 

This not only creates places for recreation, but also raises awareness of the importance of this architecture by making it possible for everyone to experience traditional building culture at first hand.

I am enthusiastic about their mission to master the balancing act between monument protection and sustainable use, while at the same time preserving knowledge about traditional building methods and materials. 

Supporting Swiss Cultural Heritage

Our collaboration has grown out of a shared vision for the preservation of Swiss building culture. While I try to show the authentic and often forgotten face of Swiss architecture in my Chalets of Switzerland series, the foundation is committed to saving these historic buildings from decay and putting them to good use. 

To support this shared vision, 10% of the proceeds from the special limited edition of my photographs will go directly to the foundation, which is financed exclusively by donations. And by mutual communication we want to increase awareness of the importance of these architectural treasures.

Nancy Wolf from the foundation emphasises: ‘Our collaboration with Patrick Lambertz not only draws attention to regional architecture, but also directly supports the restoration and preservation of historically valuable buildings in Switzerland.’

By purchasing a picture from the special Swiss Heritage Edition, you are not only acquiring a unique limited work of art, but also contributing directly to the protection of historic Swiss architecture.

With this collaboration, I hope not only to contribute to saving building culture, but also to encourage people to take a closer look and understand the significance of this architecture.

Patrick Lambertz